Effects of irradiation on the calcific nodule formation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell line

Kang, Ki Hyun; Lee, Sang Rae; Kwon, Ki Jeong; Koh, Kwang Joon

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the effects of irradiation on the calcium content and calcific nodule formation in the MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were irradiated with a single dose of 2, 4 and 8 Gy at a dose rate of 5.38 Gy/min using a Cs-137 irradiator. After irradiation, the calcium content and calcific nodule formation were examined on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week. RESULTS: A decreasing dose-dependent tendency of the cell proliferation rate was found in all irradiated groups of this experiment when compared with the unirradiated control group. In accordance with the duration of culture, there was no significant difference in the cell proliferation rate after irradiation of 2 Gy when compared with the unirradiated group, however a decreasing tendency was found in 4 Gy- and 8 Gy-irradiated groups. While an increase in total calcium content after irradiation of 2 Gy was found at week 1, week 2, and week 4, there was a decrease in calcium content at week 1 through 4 in the 8 Gy- irradiated group. Calcific nodule formation was increased in irradiated experimental groups when compared with the unirradiated control group in the 2 Gyirradiated group, but decreased in the 4Gy- and 8Gy-irradiated groups at the same stage. CONCLUSION: The results showed a mild increasing tendency of the calcific nodule formation after irradiation of 2 Gy. However, a decreased calcific nodule formation in 4Gy- and 8Gy-irradiated groups was found. Taken together, the irradiation of 2 Gy mildly activated bone formation, however 4 Gy or 8 Gy suppressed bone formation by decreasing cell numbers in the MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell line.